real is doing what almost any company in their possition would do. They really want nothing to do with microsoft...they've had some problems with them in the past, and kind of hold the grudge. They don't want to go out of business....but if they don't get some connections, it may happen. So they see that Apple is the leader right now, and want a peice of it...and feel they should be able to have a piece of it. Maybe they're right, maybe their wrong. Either way, it'll be a while before Apple is happy with it. I could care less. I boght the iPod; my music is either purchased from iTunes, or I don't buy digital. I woldn't be against buying from someone else, just seems easier..I already have iTunes, and iTunes has more music than any other online service. Why would I bother choosing someone elses service? Though, I feel that maybe I should be able to if I chose..bt really, I'm getting everything I need or want right now, so I'm not too worried about it.